FEBRUARY 13, 1919
HONOURS
It was announced in a supplement to the London Gazette on February 8
that the King has been graciously pleased to confer the undermentioned
rewards on officers and other ranks of the R.A.F. in recognition of gallantry
in flying operations against the enemy :—
Awarded a Bar o the Distinguished Service Order
Lieut.-Col. Peregrine Forbes Morant Fellowes, D.S.O. (Sea Patrol,
Flanders.)—On May 28, 1918, Lieut.-Col. Fellowes, Commanding 61st Wing,
undertook the task of attacking the lock gate at Zeebrugge, the damaging of
which was at that time of great importance. He flew a DH-4 and by very
skilful airmanship he succeeded in dropping a 230-lb. bomb from a height of
only 300 ft. right on the lock gate in question. It has since been ascertained
that the effect was considerable, and involved much dislocation of the enemy's
plans for many days. (D.S.O. gazetted January 1, 1918.)
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order
Capt. (A./Maj.) Charles John Wharton Darwin. (France.)—This officer
bat proved himself an exceptionally skilful and gallant patrol leader, con
spicuous for utter fearlessness and disregard of danger. On a recent occasion,
in company with one other machine, he attacked a formation of 14 Fokker
biplanes, one of which was shot down and crashed. He has accounted for
three hostile aircraft.
Sec. Lieut. (A./Capt.) Harry King Goode, D.F.C. (Italy.)—During the
recent operations this officer has displayed magnificent courage and deter
mination in attacking enemy aerodromes, kite balloons and retreating columns,
inflicting very heavy loss. On October 29 he led two other machines in a
bombing raid against an enemy aerodrome ; he completely destroyed with
a bomb one hostile machine on the ground, and, attacking the hangars and
workshops with machine-gun fire, be caused many casualties amongst the
mechanics. Later on In the same day be returned alone to attack the same
aerodrome, and found the enemy about to evacuate it. Flying at a very low
altitude—at times his wheels almost touched the ground—be destroyed one
machine with a bomb and set fire to another with machine-gun fire. The
enemy personnel were driven back into the village ty the vigour of his attack.
Capt. Goode's utter disregard of personal danger inspired all who served with
him. (D.F.C gazetted December 3, 1918.)
Capt. (A./Maj.) Tom Falcon Hazell, M.C., D.F.C. (France.)—A brilliant
fighter, distinguished for his bold determination and rare courage, he has
accounted for 29 enemy machines, 20 being destroyed and nine driven down
out of control; he has also destroyed 10 balloons. On September 4 be
rendered exceptionally valuable service in leading his flight to attack hostile
balloons that were making a certain road impassable. Within an hour three
of these balloons were destroyed, Maj. Hazell accounting for two. (M.C.
gazetted July 26, 1917; D.F.C. gazetted November 2, 1918 ; Bar to D.F.C.
same date.)
Lieut. Robert Baillie Lovemore. (France.)—On October 28 this oflicer,
attacked by two Fokkers, was driven down and compelled to land on marshy
ground the enemy side of a river. Having extricated himself frcm his
m chine, he saw another of our machines land a short distance away, the pilot
being thrown out ; proceeding to the spot, Lieut. Lovemore found the pilot
insensible, his head and shoulders under water, and the fuselage ever his legs.
Releasing him from the fuselage, he dragged him cut of the water, and in a
few minutes the pilot recovered his senses. Lieut. Lovemore then procecdfd
towards the river, and seeing a corporal of ours on the other side he directed
him to go and get help, he himself returning to the pilot, whem be carried
to the river bank. On arriving there he saw an infantry officer on the opposite
bank, who swam across to join blm, and between them they carried the pilot
down to the river and swam across, holding him up. The enemy by this time
had brought up machine guns, so that they were under fire when swimming
across; they, however, got across in safety, and, a stretcher party arriving,
the pilot was carried back to our lines. The cool courage and disregard of
danger displayed by Lieut. Lovemore is deserving of very high praise.
Maj. Wil red Ashton McCloiighry, M.C., D.F.C. (Australian F.C.) (France.)
—The record of this officer's squadron, when equipped with Sopwitb Camels,
was unique, not only in the number of aircralt destroyed with aln.es: in
significant loss to ourselves, but also in the persistence with which they carried
out innumerable raids at the lowest altitude. The high morale and individual
enterprise of the members of this squadron must be largely aitribr'ed to the
personality and influence of their leader, Maj. McClou'ghry. When the
squadron was re-armed with Sopwitb Snipes the change in type necessitated
a complete reversal of their aerial experience. By his careful and untiring
leadership he succeeded in so training his squadron that in a series of raids
on three successive days they accounted for upwards of 30 hostile aeroplanes.
(M.C. gazetted July rg, 191?: D.F.C. gazetted November 2, 1918.)
Lieut. (A./Capt.) Donald Roderick MacLaren, MX.. D.F.C. (France.)—
Bold in attack and skilful in manoeuvre, Capt. MacLaren is conspicuous for his
success in aerial combats. On September 24 be and his patrol of three
machines attacked a formation of six enemy srouts, although the latter were
protected by 16 other enemy aircraft at a higher altitude. Firing a burst
at point-blank range, this officer shot down one in flames. In all be has
accounted for 48 enemy machines and six kite balloons. (M.C. gazetted
June 22, 1918 ; Bar to M.C. September 16, 1918 ; D.F.C. gazetted Septem
ber 21, 1918.)
Maj. Michael Henry Braddon Nethersole. (France.)—A squadron com
mander of exceptional merit, who, by his enthusiasm »nd fine example has
revolutionised the tactics ot his squadron. Formerly accustrmed tc bt n.bing
from a high altitude the members have descended to low altitudes, thus
ensuring greater accuracy of aim. On October 30 he led bts squa-'rrn en a
low bombing raid against an aerodrome. The raid was most successful,
he himself destroying two hangars. On the return journey be kept bis machines
so well together that, though they were attacked by large numlwrs of hostile
T^1"'** they succeeded in destroying five 01 tbem with no loss on our side,
the engagement continued during the whole ot the return lourney, but the
squadron succeeded in causing considerable damage to hostile troops on the
ground in addition to the casualties in the air as noted above.
Lieut.-Col. Louis Arbon Strange, M.C., D.F.C. (France.)—For his ex
ceptional services in organising hts wing and his brilliant leadership on low
bombing raids this officer was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cress not
Jong ago. Since then, by his fine example and inspiring personal influence,
he has raised his wing to still higher efficiency and morale, the enthusiasm
°*ph>yed by the various squadrons for low-flying raids being most maiKssl.
On October 30 he accompanied one of these raids against an sen dime;
watehing the work of his machines, he waited until tbey had finished and then
dropped his bombs from 100 tt. altitude on hangars that were tinriamagid;
he then attacked troops and transport in the vicinity ot the aerodrome. While
thus engaged be saw eight Fokkers flying above him ; at once be climbed and
attacked thera single-handed ; having driven one down out ot control he was
fiercely engaged by the other seven, but be maintained the omlst until
revued by a patrol of our scouts. (M.C. gazetted March 27, 1913 ; D.F.C.
gazetted November 2, igiS.)
Awarded a Second Ear to the Distinguished Flying Cross
Capt. Ross Mncphervn Smith, M.C., D.FX. (Australian LH. and Aus
tralian F.C.) (Egypt.)—On October 19 this officer, with Lieut. A. V. McCann
as observer, engaged and drove down an enemy two-seater. As it appeared
to land intact he descended to a low altitude and, with machine-gun fire,
forced the occupants to abandon the machine; he then landed alongside
it, and while his observer covered the enemy officers he set light to their
machine and completely destroyed it. To have effected a landing in an
unknown country, many miles in rear of the enemy's advanced troops, de
manded courage and skill of a very high order. (M.C. gazetted May 11, 1917;
Bar to M.C., March 26 1918. The awards of the D.F.C. and first Bar thereto
are announced further on in this Gaxetie.)
Awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross
Lieut. (A./Capt.) Frederick Warrington Gillett, L.F.C. (France.)—^
pilot of great dash and skill who, since August 3, has destroyed 12 hostile
aircraft. On September 29, when on low-line patrol, he attacked three
Fokkers, driving down one, which fell in flames. (DJ> C. gazetted November 2,
1918.)
Lieut. (A./Capt.) Sidney William Highwood, D.F.C. (France.)—A courage
ous officer who has proved himself a skilful and bold fighter. Since October 2
he has destroyed three enemy machines and four kite balloons, and has in
addition rendered valuable service in attacking enemy troops on the ground.
(D.F.C. gazetted December 3, 1918.)
Sec. Lieut. William Stanley Jenkins, D.F.C. (France.)—An exceptionally
skilful pilot, conspicuous for his courage and disregard of danger. Since
October 5 he has accounted for four enemy aeroplanes crashed and one driven
down out of control. On November 10 be crashed an enemy two-seater,
and later on destroyed a Fokker, in addition to attacking enemy troops and
transport with marked success. (D.F.C. gazetted November 2, 1918.)
Maj. Allan Murray Jones, M.C., D.F.C. (Australian F.C.) (France.)—By
his keeness and enthusiasm Maj. Jones has inspired his squadron with a fine
spirit of emulation and raised it to a high standard of efficiency. On Novem
ber 10 he led his whole squadron on a low bombing raid against an enemy
railway station. Descending to 100 ft., he remained at this low altitude til
all his machines had completed the attack, though subjected to very heavy
fire from macnine guns. Owing to the steady deliberation of the attack
very serious damage was inflicted on the trams and rolling stock. (M.C
gazetted April 26, 1917 ; D.F.C. gazetted June 3, 1918.)
Lieut. (A./Capt.) Camille Henri Raoul Lagesse, D.F.C. (France.)—A
scout leader of marked ability and daring who, since August 28, has destroyed
13 enemy aeroplanes, displaying at all times brilliant ieadeistir and courage
On October 2, when leading a patrol of four machines, he dived on eight
Fokkers; four of these were destroyed, Capt. Lagesse accounting for one.
(D.F.C. gazetted November 2, 1918.)
Lieut. (A./Capt.) Walter Hunt Longton, D.F.C., A.F.C. (France.)—
Between September 29 and October 9 this officer carried out 12 tactical
reconnaissances, bringing back most valuable information ; he also displayed
great gallantry in attacking enemy troops on the grouud. On October 9,
when on a low patrol, he observed a machine-gun nest which appeared to be
the sole obstacle to our cavalry advance. Having informed the cavalry and
field artillery of the situation, he co-operated with the former in their attack,
and, after the enemy had been driven out, pursued them with machine-gun
fire as they retreated. (DJF.C. gazetted November 2, 1918 ; A.F.C. gazetted
June 3, 1918.)
Lieut. (A./Capt.) Oren John Rose, D.F.C. (France.)—A brilliant and
fearless leader who, since October 9, has destroyed seven enemy aeroplanes.
His personal example of skill and determination in aerial combats and in
attacking troops and transport on the ground is of the greatest value in main
taining the high standard of efficiency in his squadron. (DJ.C. gazetted
December 3, 2918.)
Lieut. (A./Capt.) Benjamin Roxburgh-Smith, D.F.C. (France.)—^A
leader of outstanding merit whose influence has had a great effect on main
taining the morale of his squadron. He has engaged in many combats with
hostile aeroplanes, displaying marked skill and courage. Since May last
he has accounted for 12 hostile machines. (D.F.C. gazetted November
2, 1918.).
Lieut. (A./Capt.) William Emest Shields, D.F.C. (France.)—Bold in
attack and skilful in manoeuvre, this officer is conspicuous for his success and
daring in aerial combats. On September 22, when on offensive patrol, he
was attacked by 14 Fokkers : he succeeded in shoot inc down one. On another
occasion be was attacked by six scouts and destroyed cne of these. In all,
since June 28, this officer has accounted for 14 enemy aircraft. (DJ.C.
gazettea November 2, 1918.)
Capt. Ross Macpberson Smith, M.C., DJX. (Australian L.H. and Aus
tralian F.C.) (Egypt.)—During the operations pricr to October, 1918, he
took part in numerous engagements involving Sights of 150 to 200 miles, and
succeeded in doing extensive damage to the enemy's hangars, railways, etc.
Capt. Smith displayed most consistent gallantry with mariwd ability in all
his work, whether bombing bv night or day or in personal encounters in the
air. Whilst operating with the SherifEan forces he destroyed cne enemy
machine and brought down two others out of control in the desert. (M.C.
gazetted May II, 1917 ; Bar to M.C. March 26, 1918. The awards of the
D.F.C., and second bar thereto, are also contained in this GatetU.)
Lieut. (A./Capt.) Walter Al red Southey, D.F.C. (France.)—An officer of
ready resource whose skilful leadership is of the greatest value to his squadron.
Since August 23 Capt. Southey has destroyed five enemy kite balloons and
three machines, while he has also driven down two aircralt completely out of
control. (D.F.C. gazetted November 2, 1918.)
Capt. Alfred Harold Whistler, D.S.O., D.F.C. (France.)—This officer
has 22 enemy machines and one balloon to his credit. He distinguished
himself greatly on September 29, when he destroyed two machines in one
combat, and on September 15, when, following two balloons to within 20 ft.
of the ground, he destroyed one and caused the observer ot the second to jump
out and crash. He has, in addition, done arduous and valuable service in
bombing enemy objectives, and obtaining information. Capt. Whistler is
a gallant officer of fine judgment and power of leadership. (D.S.O. gazetted
November 2, 1918; D.F.C. gazetted August 3, 1918.)
Awarded the Distinguished Hying Cross
Lieut. David Brunton Ait ken. (Egypt.)—This officer has done very gallant
and useful work as patrol leader, and has set a fine example to his squadron.
On one occasion, when on patrol over an enemy aerodrome, he descended to
within jo ft. of the ground, in face of incessant hostile fire, to attack a two-
seater, which he rendered completely useless.
Sec. Lieut. (A./Lieut.) Gerald Frank Anderson. (France.)—On October 30
this officer was one of an offensive patrol that attacked 50 enemy machines.
Six of the latter concentrated their attack on Lieut. Anderson, and would
have inevitably destroyed his machine had it not been lor the exceptionally
able manner in which be manoeuvred and fought. Although both he and
his observer were wounded and the machine badly damaged, he succeeded
with rare courage and ski U in shooting down one and keeping the remainder at a
distance. Eventually he brought his machine sateiy to ground about half
a mile within our lines.
Lieut. (A./Capt.) George Buchanan Bailey. (France.)—On September 28
this officer and his observer were detailed to watch the progress ot one ofou
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